What looks like fun and games is a lifesaving lesson for a group of Wake County youngsters. Through Energize!, a program developed by WakeMed, kids and their parents are on the road to better health.

"I like it a lot because you get to meet new people and learn a lot about nutrition," said Tekiya Webb, a 12-year-old who started the program in July.

Webb was one of a dozen teens playing a rousing game of "hide the bacon" at the Alexander Family YMCA on a summer evening. For 12 weeks, participants come twice a week for games and nutrition classes.

"I like that we get to play all the games and we get to eat healthier," said 10-year-old Abby McKrell.

Over 500 participants have been through the program since it began a year ago. Doctors refer kids who are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes because they have a high body mass index or because of a family history of the disease.

"I think a lot of times they aren't even aware of the choices that they're making and how they impact their health, simply because that's how they were raised," said Dr. William Lagarde, director of WakeMed Children's Diabetes and Endocrinology Center. "It's how the parents were raised, it's what they know."

Energize! involves the whole family in the program. Not too far away from the gym, parents meet to talk about being role models for their children. They have their own classes once a week. The other night, they are encouraged to use the exercise facilities at their local YMCA.

"I was sitting there watching her take karate and I didn't really have a program to go to," said Olive McKrell, Abby's mom. "Now we're going to the belly dancing class together here at the Y."

Cherryl Webb admitted she was skeptical when her daughter was referred for the program, but now she loves it.

"My attitude has changed because now I see a happier Tikeya," she said. "And we are functioning better as a family unit as far as health."

The program is free to participants and is offered in local YMCAs and community centers. In 2008, the N.C. Legislature funded expansion of the program to five more counties. For more information, visit the WakeMed website.